Gridiron Glory. Football Analysis. Expert Insights.

Venables Sooners
September 22, 2024 By  College Football, Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Football Fans Respond to Kirk Herbstreit Calling Out Program for ‘Unethical’ Gamesmanship – Week 4

The Oklahoma football program opened conference play this weekend, their first in the SEC after nearly 100 years in the Big 12. The Tennessee Volunteers visited the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman on Saturday, but an abysmal offensive showing and struggles in the trenches led to a 25-15 loss. However, not only did Oklahoma fans take exception with the poor showing, but college football commentator Kirk Herbstreit also put the program on blast for poor sportsmanship in the first half of the ranked matchup.

Midway through the first quarter and following a Jackson Arnold interception, The Volunteers quickly drove the football deep into OU territory before defender Da’Jon Terry fell with an apparent injury. The injury stoppage halted the UT offensive attack before Terry jogged off the field on his own power. Nevertheless, Herbstreit called out Terry and Oklahoma for faking an injury to derail the opposing offensive attack. Oklahoma football fans quickly rebuttled, calling Terry’s action a commonplace in the sport.

Oklahoma Football Fans Defend ‘Unsportsmanlike’ Practice

Oct 21, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) during the first half against the UCF Knights at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) during the first half against the UCF Knights at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports (Oklahoma Sooners football schedule) (Sooners Oklahoma football)

According to On3 on Twitter, also known as X:

Kirk Herbstreit called out Oklahoma for ‘unethical’ injury gamesmanship vs. Tennessee: “This is college football. It drives me crazy. You look over after a big play and all of a sudden, he looks over and goes down. It’s not necessarily against the rules, but it’s unethical as hell.”

Herbstreit put Oklahoma football on blast for what appeared to be a player faking an injury to stop the high-powered Tennessee Volunteers offense. Tennessee ended the drive with just a field goal, eventually winning 25-15. Oklahoma’s defense played well in the contest, holding Tennessee to 345 yards. Tennessee entered the game averaging 600 yards of offense per tilt.

Kirk Herbstreit did not mince words when calling out the Sooners for what he deemed “unethical” action. However, Oklahoma fans quickly jumped to the defense of lineman Da’Jon Terry, the coaching staff, and the program, explaining to the masses that using injury to stop play is commonplace in college football.

 

More Oklahoma News by Gridiron Heroics

Oklahoma football, Kirk Herbstreit
Junior defensive back Kendel Dolby during the game against Arizona on Dec 28.
Olivia Lauter/OU Daily

For More Football News:

For More Football News and to dive into the excitement, follow me on Twitter at @alec_musa. Let’s get the conversation rolling! I’m all ears for your thoughts and insights. You can also reach out to me via email at musaalec@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest college and NFL news, click here!

Avatar of Alec Musa

About Alec Musa

Alec is a sports writer and former college/high school football coach from Phoenix, Arizona. Before taking on his current role at Gridiron Heroics, Alec worked for Sportskeeda in the same role. He covers the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Florida State Seminoles, and Michigan Wolverines.

Leave a Comment

Share your thoughts and join the discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay in the Game

Get the latest sports news and analysis delivered to your inbox.

Share This Article